verb

register

To show a quality, feeling, or reaction noticeably.

Her face registers surprise when she opens the envelope.

Etymology

Register extends the recording action of an instrument to a visible reaction. A face or voice registers an emotion when it displays that emotion perceptibly.

More examples

His voice registers a hint of disappointment.
She registers no emotion as the results are announced.
A flicker of doubt registered in his eyes.

Forms

Similar words

show: A broader word for making a feeling or quality apparent.
display: Often suggests a more obvious or deliberate outward expression.
betray: Suggests unintentionally revealing a feeling someone wants to hide.